Why is the exact location and course of the Battle of Bosworth Field disputed?

The exact location of the Battle of Bosworth Field has been a subject of historical debate because contemporary accounts and early maps provided imprecise details regarding the battlefield's geography. While traditional narratives long associated the conflict with Ambien Hill, modern archaeological surveys and re-evaluations of the terrain—specifically the presence of marshy ground where Richard III was killed—have challenged these long-held assumptions.

The difficulty in pinpointing the site stems from the lack of definitive physical evidence found at the traditional location, leading researchers to look for alternative sites that better align with the topographical descriptions of the boggy terrain mentioned in historical records. Consequently, the precise course of the engagement and the exact movements of the forces led by Henry VII and Richard III remain matters of ongoing scholarly investigation.1